Clemens headlines Team USA

Baseball - World Baseball Classic

The 43-year-old free agent isn't sure about his future but he is ready for the Classic.

February 15, 2006|By Josh Robbins, Sentinel Staff Writer

Roger Clemens, the 43-year-old free agent who says he hasn't decided whether he'll retire or return to the major leagues in 2006, was named Tuesday to Team USA's 30-man roster for the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

"My arm feels good," said Clemens, who was bothered by back and hamstring injuries late last season and into the playoffs. "My legs are taking a little bit longer than I expected to get in shape for this. I know we'll be under pitch counts and whatnot, but you still want to be ready."

Team USA's official roster, which doesn't have to be submitted until March 2, features three other starting pitchers -- Dontrelle Willis, C.C. Sabathia and Jake Peavy -- and 10 relievers.

The roster also includes third baseman Alex Rodriguez, shortstop Derek Jeter and outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. And there are two native Central Floridians: outfielder Johnny Damon, who went to Dr. Phillips, and catcher Jason Varitek, who attended Lake Brantley.

"We feel that this is our best foot forward with an opportunity to win this tournament," said Buck Martinez, Team USA's manager.

Sixteen teams are entered in the tournament, which will be divided into four pools of four teams apiece in the first round. The top two teams in each pool advance to the next round.

The Americans will have their first workout March 3 at Chase Field in Phoenix and play their opening game March 7 against Mexico. Canada and South Africa are in the same pool.

"This is our national pastime," said Peavy, who broke a rib during the San Diego Padres' celebration after they clinched the National League West title in September.

The World Baseball Classic could lead to another party in San Diego because the semifinals and final are scheduled for Petco Park.

"I respect my ballclub," Peavy said, alluding to the Padres. "I know my first priority is to be healthy. So, I'm just going to say when we win this thing in San Diego, I'm not going to get hurt in the celebration as I did when we won the West."

If the U.S. team has a weakness, it could be in the outfield, which could use an additional power hitter.

Of the six outfielders -- Damon, Griffey, Jeff Francoeur, Matt Holliday, Vernon Wells and Randy Winn -- only Griffey and Wells hit 28 or more home runs last season.

Through Barry Bonds is listed on Team USA's reserve roster, there's no chance he'll play in the World Baseball Classic. Bonds pulled out of the tournament on Jan. 23, citing concerns about his surgically repaired knee, which limited him to 14 games last season.

"He made his decision and we respect that, certainly, given the history of his injuries from a year ago," Martinez said.

The Ballpark at Disney will host first-round games March 7-10 for the pool of the Dominican Republic, Australia, Italy and Venezuela. The Dominican Republic arguably has the event's best team, but Clemens is the most accomplished pitcher in the tournament.

The question is whether he'll return to the majors in '06.

He acknowledged that he's met with "a number of teams" this offseason, though he declined to name any of clubs.

"I told 'em right now, like I have been expressing, that I was getting ready for the World games," Clemens said. "I'll see how that goes, how my body responds. I'll make my decisions accordingly after the fact."